how not to rejuvenate lakes

Lake rejuvenationhow not to do it

GV Dasarathidasarathigv@gmail.com

We need these visitors in our lakes

They add immensely to the beauty of a lake,and give us joy.

What do these birds need ?

They need a sloping mud bank with reeds growing, to feed, nest and live.The banks must be reasonably far from human movement, so the birds feel safe.

Example of bad 'rejuvenation' – Sankey Tank

Sloping mud bank was replaced by vertical concrete walls.3 large islands wih trees and grass were removed – just one smallisland remains, with a single dead tree.

This removed almost all the living and nesting areas of birds.Hence the zero birds in this picture.

Example of bad 'rejuvenation' – Sankey Tank

A sanitized lake – most prominent feature is the brown concrete.

The only birds seen are Cormorants that sit on trees beyond the bank, anddo not need shallow water to live and feed in.

The water reflects the brown of the walls and the blue of the sky,so you have blue-brown coloured water.

Example of good rejuvenation – Puttenahalli lake

Walking path for humans, with a sloping mud bank beyond it leading to the water.No vertical walls enclosing the lake.The water reflects the green of the bank and the blue of the sky, so you have blue-green coloured water.

Result – a paradise for birds and bird watchers

Some basic design rules to follow in Bangalore's lakes

1. Design for humans, birds and aquatic life, not just humans.

2. Walking path on outer periphery, then sloping mud bankleading to the water.

3. Humans do not have access to the mud bank – it is fenced off.

4. Ensure that there are islands in the lake, with trees. If necessary, ADD Islands.

5. Minimize the use of stone and concrete. It heats up the place, while mud, reeds and water keep the place cool.